Psychological Health and Safety
Nurses are at the heart of health care, yet the demands of the profession can take a serious toll on psychological health and safety. From excessive workloads to harassment and workplace violence, nurses face hazards that increase the risk of burnout and psychological injury. Recognizing psychological injury as a workplace hazard is the first step toward prevention and support.
October is Mental Health Awareness Month – an important time to reflect on your psychological safety.
BCNU has launched its Name the Hazard, Shape the Change, campaign, designed to help members create psychologically safer workplaces by providing tools that empower nurses to identify and name workplace psychosocial hazards linked to psychological harm, prompting action and meaningful change.
BCNU has developed the following resources to help spark conversations, support peer recognition of psychological injuries, and gather province-wide data to drive future advocacy for safer, healthier workplaces.
- Psychological Injury Reporting Self-Check Bookmark
- Psychological Health Self-Check Chart
- Psychological Injury: Quick Reference
- Psychological Injury: Complete Guide (An in-depth summary on Psychological Injury in the Workplace)
Understanding Psychological Health & Safety at Work
Psychological health and safety means fostering a workplace that protects and supports mental health and well-being. It focuses on identifying and reducing the risks of harm with appropriate programs, policies and supports.
Learn more:
- Mental Health – HealthLinkBC
- Government of Canada: Psychological Health at Work
- Mental Health Risks at Work – CCOHS
- Steward Resource Toolkit
Engaging Employers
Employers play a critical role in creating safe workplaces. It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a physically and psychologically safe workplace that works to mitigate psychological hazards. By implementing recognized standards, and engaging in open dialogue, employers can reduce risks and build psychologically safe workplaces.
Resources to share with your employer
Services to Support Members
BCNU regional mental health representatives are available to support members. Find contact information on the BCNU Member Portal.
If you are experiencing suicidal ideation call the Suicide Crisis Hotline. 24/7 9-8-8
Supplemental Mental Health Benefit
This benefit provides all members covered by the NBA collective agreement with access to an additional $5,000 lifetime amount to cover cost of a registered psychologist, registered social worker, and registered clinical counsellor, as well as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT). Learn more.
Education Opportunities
October 24:
BCNU Skill Lab: Psychosocial Hazards
BCNU Support
Members can submit requests for support from our membership department and occupational health and safety department – prevention team on this BCNU Support page.